News

Do I need a new bra during pregnancy?

Most likely! Like the rest of your body, your breasts are changing too, becoming bigger and more sensitive to the touch. With the weight gain, an expanding rib cage, and, later in pregnancy, mammary glands that are preparing to make milk for your baby.

While it may be tempting to make do with the bras you have (think of the savings!), it's best to invest in a few good bras. Your growing breasts are heavier – the developing glandular tissues can add on a few ounces per breast, at least – and deserve some comfy support.

How do I know when it's time for a new bra?

A good rule of thumb: Tight isn't right.

Every woman is different, every pregnancy is different, and your breasts will change in a way that's unique to you. You may find that your cup size continues to increase throughout your pregnancy, or your breasts might grow during your first trimester and then not increase in size again until the last few months. Depending on how you grow, you may need to go bra shopping several times during your pregnancy.

Maternity and nursing bras differ in one basic way: Nursing bras have clasps or panels that allow easy access to the nipples for breastfeeding.

When buying nursing bras to wear during pregnancy, make sure they give you room to grow. Your breasts may go up another cup size or two after your baby arrives and your milk comes in.

Basic Padded Nursing bra, made with soft bra cups. Seamless so you can wear your tight stretchy tops without worrying about your nipples showing right after you have nursed your child. And no worries about seams on your bra showing either.

Easy one-handed release/put-back hook for quick nursing while cradling baby. To Nurse, unhook, then fold the bra cup with your nursing pad INWARDS under your breast. Comes with adjustable shoulder straps. No underwire, but provides good support. No worries about any possibilities of the bra causing blocked ducts then!

In our unique quality and versatile fashion, the shoulder straps are fully-removable so that for those who prefer a

strapped bra over a strapless one, this would be a great option - just change the straps to your favourite clear straps

or even use fancy straps, so that you can wear your strapless outfits or off-shoulder outfits with style!

Regular - the usual way

With fancy or transparent straps

Cross-back

Halter

To Nurse, undo the front bra cup and fold it down with your nursingpad INWARDS and tuck it under your breast.

When done nursing, just unfold the bra cup from under your breast,stretch it upwards and fasten it properly.

Sizes: 34B, 34C, 34D, 36B, 36C, 36D, 38B, 38CColour: Beige & Black

This multi-way seemless bra comes with underwired support. For mothers whohave a preference for non-underwired bras, the underwire is removable.

If you need further assistance with bra fitting, feel free to call us for a fitting session (only on Saturdays).

Email: thebirthshop@gmail.com

SMS/Whatsapp: 9271 3335

Before you start

Make sure you are wearing an unpadded bra that is not a compression or a sports bra.

Stand straight and relaxed, with your arms down, and breathe normally

If you can, ask someone to help you measure

If you’re doing this solo, measure yourself in front of a mirror.

Band MeasurementPlace the measuring tape around your back and underneath your arm pits. Check that the tape is on a bit of an upward angle and positioned directly under your arm pit when wrapping tape around your body. Tape should be lying flat and parallel on the hook and eye closure of your bra. Pull snug – you want it to feel tight, but not constricting. Look down and record your measurement.

HINT: If your measurement falls in between even numbers, round up. For example, a 33’ would become 34’. If you are just above an even number (for example, 32.5’), then round down.

Chest MeasurementPlace the measuring tape around your back and place on top of the fullest part of your chest. Be sure to push the measuring tape in between the center of your breasts (it should be touching the place between your breasts) to ensure you account for your full bust capacity. Check that the tape is horizontal when wrapped around your body. Tape should be lying flat and parallel on the hook and eye closure of your bra. Hold the tape loosely in place. Look down and record your measurement.

HINT: It is ideal having someone assist you with this measurement.

Using your band and chest measurements, determine your bra size using the chart below:

STEP 01:

LOWER BUST MEASUREMENT (BAND)

While wearing a non-padded bra, measure around theband of the bra. (We recommend measuring ininches which will provide for a more accurate result)

The measuring tape should be level and snug.Round to the next whole number. Then referto the chart below to determine your band size.(If you measured 27.4 inches, then round to 28. Your band size is hence a 32)

STEP 02:

OVER BUST MEASUREMENT (CUP)

Now measure around your breasts where they are attheir fullest. (Use the same care as in the previous step).

Round off to the next whole number (If you measured34.6 inches,then round to 35) to get your bust size.

STEP 03:

CALCULATE YOUR SIZE

Now deduct ‘BAND’ measurement from your ‘CUP’measurement and refer to the table belowto work out your ‘Cup Size’.

Can a healthy diet be sufficient in today's world?

Gone are the days in our so called advanced western society when healthy living meant simply getting the right nutrients from our foods. Nowadays our foods are jam packed with an array of harmful chemicals not to mention mainstream personal care products that we absorb through our skin many of which are carcinogenic. Nearly all of today's diseases stem from what we absorb, our bodies simply cannot deal with this overload of toxins exceeding the body's capacity to detoxify itself. A staggering 1 in 3 people are now falling to cancer. Experts predict that if we do not do anything to rectify this situation now, in the next 30 years cancer will just about affect 100% of us. The UK alone get through every year a staggering quarter of a million tonnes of food chemicals, 50,000 chemicals are released into the environment by industry and 400 million litres of pesticides and herbicides are sprayed onto to foods and pastures. All of this we of course absorbs into our bodies.

SOIL MINERAL DEPLETION:

Studies By Dr Linus Pauling on Soil Mineral Depletion: Studies By Dr Linus Pauling, twice noble prize winner, said "you can trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to a mineral deficiency". Yet, all over the world, minerals are disappearing from agricultural soils at an alarming rate. In 1992, the official report of the Rio Earth Summit concluded "there is deep concern over continuing major declines in the mineral values in farm and range soils throughout the world". This statement was based on data showing that over the last 100 years, average mineral levels in agricultural soils had fallen worldwide - by 72% in Europe, 76% in Asia and 85% in North America. What has caused this staggering decline?

Most of the blame lies with artificial chemical fertilisers. We now know that plants absorb 70 to 80 different minerals from the soil, while the number returned to it by plants grown with commercial fertilisers can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Every crop that is cut or animal that is sent to market marks a further depletion in the mineral status of the soil on which it was raised. Organic wastes that in former times would have been composted and returned to the land are nowadays mostly consigned to landfill sites or incineration.

There are many other ways in which the move to chemical farming prevents crops from taking up even the sparse amounts of trace minerals left in the soil. Soil contains bacteria, fungi, plant and animal life, in a state of constant interaction and balance. Every one of these organisms needs dozens of different minerals to survive and play its part in the ecosystem. Some bacteria have a vital role in converting soil minerals into chemical forms that plants can use. NPK fertilisers (fertilisers used in modern farming that only contain nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium) gradually change the soil pH towards acidic conditions in which these bacteria can not survive. To combat soil acidification farmers lay lime on the land adding back calcium and magnesium to raise the soil pH, but it also converts manganese and some other trace minerals into chemical forms that plants are unable to absorb.

Pesticides and herbicides also reduce the uptake of trace minerals by plants. Plants have an important relationship with certain fungi that can form networks covering several acres. The fungus obtains carbohydrates from the plant root, at the same time supplying the plant with nutrients it draws from the soil. This gives the plant access to a vastly greater mineral extraction system than is possible by their roots alone. Chemical fungicide sprays destroy these beneficial fungi and so again reduce the ability of plants to absorb soil minerals. Insecticides can also reduce trace mineral uptake by inactivating choline-containing enzymes in plants, essential for the absorption of manganese and other minerals.

The combined effect of soil mineral depletion and the reduced availability of those minerals that remain is that most of the food that we eat is mineral deficient. The table below summarizes the reductions in the average mineral content of 27 vegetables and 17 fruits, between 1940 and 1991. The results of the latest research are expected to show mineral values in continual decline.

Reduction in average mineral content of fruit and vegetables between 1940 and 1991 shown in graph below:

MINERALS

VEGETABLE

FRUIT

Sodium

-49%

-29%

Potassium

-16%

-19%

Magnesium

-24%

-16%

Calcium

-46%

-16%

Iron

-27%

-24%

Copper

-76%

-20%

Zinc

-59%

-27%

A new study published earlier this year shows that, as might be expected, mineral levels in animal products reflect the picture in plant foods. Comparing levels measured in 2002 with those present in 1940, the iron content of milk was found to be 62% less, calcium and magnesium in parmesan cheese had each fallen by 70% and copper in dairy produce had plummeted by a remarkable 90%.

In the UK and Ireland government are putting resources into improving health by encouraging people to eat a healthy diet, including 5 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, but you scarcely hear a word about the problem of soil mineral depletion. Food seems to be considered as something quite separate from its source and means of production. But this is not rocket science - the foundation of human health is the quality of the food we eat, which relies ultimately on the vitality of the soil on which it is raised.

What happens to us if we are mineral deficient? Minerals are an essential part of our natural diet and a lack of them may in part account for our increasing susceptibility to diseases - such as heart disease (magnesium), cancer (selenium), diabetes (chromium) and mental illnesses (zinc). Zinc is perhaps the most commonly deficient mineral and the most critical mineral for metal health. The average intake is around 7.5mg, which is half the RDA of 15mg. Every one of us should take care to get the minerals we need, for the good of our health.

Minerals are needed for the proper formation of blood and bone, the maintenance of healthy nerve function, heartbeat regulation, reproduction and foetal development. They are essential to the process of growth, healing and energy release. And it is not just the presence of the mineral in the body that is important - they must be in the correct ratio to each other. The level of each mineral has an effect, directly or indirectly, on every other, so if one is out of kilter the whole system is affected. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorous help make up the bones and teeth. Nerve signals, vital for the brain and muscles, depend on calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. Oxygen is carried in the blood by an iron compound also essential for oxygenation of and carbon dioxide extraction from the body. Chromium helps control blood sugar levels. Zinc is vital for body repairs, renewal and development. Selenium and zinc help boost the immune system. Brain function depends on adequate magnesium, manganese, zinc and other essential minerals. These are a few out of a thousand key roles minerals play our health.

What can you do to ensure that you are getting the minerals that you need in your diet?

Eat Organic: The first thing you can do is to eat organic. Organic foods have a higher mineral content than those grown with chemicals, plus by eating organic you are supporting the environment.

Take supplements: It is very important nowadays to supplement your diet with good quality supplements that are easily absorbed by your body. There are a lot of supplements out there that are a waste of money because they are manufactured with synthetic ingredients. These should be avoided as your body will not absorb them. We at purenewyou.com offer a complete range of mineral and vitamin supplements.

~ reposted from The New Age Parents article

Motherhood is a major life transition and the adjustment period feels less overwhelming when doulas are available to answer questions or concerns. We have an interview withPamela Lim, Postpartum Doula and the founder of The Birthshop in Singapore. Read more into the interview to understand how a Postpartum Doula can be a great assistance to new mummies and their families.

1. What is a Postpartum Doula?

A postpartum doula is a non-judgmental woman with a quiet presence in your home. The main focus is in helping the new mother after the birth of the baby. Each family’s needs are different, thus the services provided by your doula will vary to accommodate your family in the best possible manner.

A postpartum doula provides loving support so that the new mother feels well nourished, well rested, with her household in good order so that she can focus her energy on her new baby. Mothers and Fathers appreciate the support of other women. In today’s society, our extended family members are not always available to help, and even if they are, some of them do not have the breastfeeding experience to support a new breastfeeding mom.

Postpartum Doulas work is between 2-6 hours per day, several days a week or 5 days a week meeting the unique needs of each family.

Potentially every woman, whether trained or not, can support another woman during thepostnatal period. How well she does this depends on her personal maturity, knowledge and her unique view of pregnancy, birth and motherhood. The main tool a Doula has is herself! Before, during and after the birth it is first and foremost a Doula’s presence that should make the new mother feel safe. Whilst we recognise that to be a Doula, it may be easier for those who have the experience of giving birth, breastfeeding and bring up children.

2. How do you support the family during the Postpartum Doulas work period?

The doula role, we believe, is a way of “being” not “doing“. A “training” implies completion and it is not useful to believe that a woman can attend a two or three day workshop or training course and believe that she is a Doula. Doulas are learners, they are explorers, they are guides, friends, sharers, it goes on and on. Without an open approach to self development and human growth it is impossible to be available to enable others. Within aDoula’s education there must be a deep concentration and focus on self awareness and any woman entering the profession is required to spend a lot of time reflecting.

The Doula’s role has often been described as “mothering the mother“. The doula is employed primarily by the woman to listen, support and respond to her needs. The Doula is not there to replace or exclude the father, partner or other family members or to intrude on these relationships. The Doula’s actions are never driven by her ego but by sensitivity andunconditional love.

Doulas do not give any medical advice but they should have a good understanding of the physiology of birth and the postnatal period so can provide support to help the woman find solutions when she needs guidance. This distinction between advice and support is important.

As a certified professional, I aim to empower, connect and advocate for families in the childbearing years.

My aim is to:

Encourage bonding and establish realistic expectations for parents.

Provide all parents with information about their options during pregnancy, labour & birth, and the postpartum period.

Encourage and support breastfeeding, but recognize that it is an individual decision.

As a Certified Postpartum Doula, Breastfeeding Counsellor and Professional Family Life Counselor, I pride myself on my flexibility in the various scope of work which I administer with each family:

Nutritional knowledge

Breastfeeding Support

Evidence based knowledge on Breastfeeding and Natural Child Spacing

General newborn care including baby bath

Baby Bonding with a sling

Professional counseling and resources for new family

Postpartum body care for mom

Support mom through emotional vulnerability

Support dad through the transition to his new role

Grief counseling

Studies has shown that when the mother is cared for by someone after the birth of her child, for a few days or weeks, and has the concern to only nurture herself and the baby, she is more self-confident, can better adjust to the newborn, and she tends to be more successful in breastfeeding.

There were times when parents of newborns could count on their own parents and family members to assist them during the transitioning period after the birth. However, nowadays with the fast pace of our society it is almost impossible for the new parents to find the help within their family and friends.

A postpartum doula is a trained professional who will provide emotional, physical and educational supportwhile assisting parents to care for the new born on their own.

3. What is your philosophy on breast-feeding and how do you help with breast feeding concerns/problems?

Supporting moms who want to breastfeed is an essential part of postpartum support. It is essential for new moms to know how to get started with breastfeeding, no matter what birth experience she had. My role as a counselor is to have the knowledge to support breastfeeding. If there was a breastfeeding problem (something which need more than just support and advise), I would usually refer my clients to a IBCLC-lactation consultant.

4. How do you manage your online business The Birthshop and your role as a postpartum doula?

Both works out pretty well. It’s just that the day and night gets longer! I do most of my postpartum doula home visits during the weekdays,coming home during mid-day and evenings to cook dinner and settle my 3 kids at home. I will start working on the online bizand admin work during the night when the kids are all asleep!

5. What are some of the advice you can give to our mom-to-be or new mothers?

Be mentally prepared for what comes after the birth of your baby. Sometimes, no amount of reading and knowledge can prepare a new mother for the experience of a new baby and it can be quite overwhelming but having a postpartum doula support can be really helpful and reassuring to a new mom.

Do I need a new bra during pregnancy?

Most likely! Like the rest of your body, your breasts are changing too, becoming bigger and more sensitive to the touch. With the weight gain, an expanding rib cage, and, later in pregnancy, mammary glands that are preparing to make milk for your baby.

While it may be tempting to make do with the bras you have (think of the savings!), it's best to invest in a few good bras. Your growing breasts are heavier – the developing glandular tissues can add on a few ounces per breast, at least – and deserve some comfy support.

How do I know when it's time for a new bra?

A good rule of thumb: Tight isn't right.

Every woman is different, every pregnancy is different, and your breasts will change in a way that's unique to you. You may find that your cup size continues to increase throughout your pregnancy, or your breasts might grow during your first trimester and then not increase in size again until the last few months. Depending on how you grow, you may need to go bra shopping several times during your pregnancy.

Maternity and nursing bras differ in one basic way: Nursing bras have clasps or panels that allow easy access to the nipples for breastfeeding.

When buying nursing bras to wear during pregnancy, make sure they give you room to grow. Your breasts may go up another cup size or two after your baby arrives and your milk comes in.

The Close-to-nude Bra is free size and accommodates sizing from 34B to 40C.

*Click on photos to go to the product page*

There are no clasp or buttons and nursing access by pulling down the stretchy bra.

Matches well with spaghetti strap tops and sleeveless tees.

Camisole Bra

*Click on photos to go to the product page*

You will love the superb fit and comfort this easy-fitting fuss-free bra. The Cross-Over Bra Top is a one piece, pullover scoop-back style.

The cross-over front gives a little definition. Especially great for those who like to feel like you're not wearing a bra at all!Nursing is easy by simply pulling aside each crossover cup to nurse.No need to fiddle with straps, hooks or snaps.For those of you who likes simple comfort this will work superbly as a home wear bra. At the same time, it is not too frumpy to wear out with your normal non-skimpy clothing.If you like the "Padded Bra, No-Nipple Showing" Look, this bra is double-lined with pockets for inserting bra cup pads (not included).

Colour: Beige or Black

Fabric: 95% cotton 5% LycraSizes: (S-34), (M-36), (L-38)

Our Bestseller: PB93 Padded Soft-Cup Nursing Bra

*Click on photos to go to the product page*

Basic Padded Nursing bra, made with soft bra cups. Seamless so you can wear your tight stretchy tops without worrying about your nipples showing right after you have nursed your child. And no worries about seams on your bra showing either.

Easy one-handed release/put-back hook for quick nursing while cradling baby. To Nurse, unhook, then fold the bra cup with your nursing pad INWARDS under your breast. Comes with adjustable shoulder straps. No underwire, but provides good support. No worries about any possibilities of the bra causing blocked ducts then!

PMW Padded Multiway Nursing Bra *Award Winning*

But of course, you might see some other copycat imitations in the market by now!

In our unique quality and versatile fashion, the shoulder straps are fully-removable so that for those who prefer a

strapped bra over a strapless one, this would be a great option - just change the straps to your favourite clear straps

or even use fancy straps, so that you can wear your strapless outfits or off-shoulder outfits with style!

Regular - the usual way

With fancy or transparent straps

Cross-back

Halter

To Nurse, undo the front bra cup and fold it down with your nursingpad INWARDS and tuck it under your breast.

When done nursing, just unfold the bra cup from under your breast,stretch it upwards and fasten it properly.

Sizes: 34B, 34C, 34D, 36B, 36C, 36D, 38B, 38CColour: Beige & Black

This multi-way seemless bra comes with underwired support. For mothers whohave a preference for non-underwired bras, the underwire is removable.

If you need further assistance with bra fitting, feel free to call us for a fitting session.

Email: thebirthshop@gmail.com

Before you start

Make sure you are wearing an unpadded bra that is not a compression or a sports bra.

Stand straight and relaxed, with your arms down, and breathe normally

If you can, ask someone to help you measure

If you’re doing this solo, measure yourself in front of a mirror.

Band MeasurementPlace the measuring tape around your back and underneath your arm pits. Check that the tape is on a bit of an upward angle and positioned directly under your arm pit when wrapping tape around your body. Tape should be lying flat and parallel on the hook and eye closure of your bra. Pull snug – you want it to feel tight, but not constricting. Look down and record your measurement.

HINT: If your measurement falls in between even numbers, round up. For example, a 33’ would become 34’. If you are just above an even number (for example, 32.5’), then round down.

Chest MeasurementPlace the measuring tape around your back and place on top of the fullest part of your chest. Be sure to push the measuring tape in between the center of your breasts (it should be touching the place between your breasts) to ensure you account for your full bust capacity. Check that the tape is horizontal when wrapped around your body. Tape should be lying flat and parallel on the hook and eye closure of your bra. Hold the tape loosely in place. Look down and record your measurement.

HINT: It is ideal having someone assist you with this measurement.

Using your band and chest measurements, determine your bra size using the chart below:

Itchy, swollen, dry skin, fluid-filled blisters, a red rash… does this sound familiar? These are the common symptoms of atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis, a skin condition which affects nearly 21 per cent, or one in five people in Singapore.

Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema, an itchy skin disorder that can occur at any age. It is particularly common in babies and young children and can be caused by a combination of factors including a genetic predisposition, skin irritants, allergies, the environment and stress. Eczema is not infectious or contagious.

In the past few weeks, I've had several cases from my postpartum clients complaining about their baby's skin condition. This could be due to our recent weather condition as the effects of haze is mainly caused by the irritant effects of fine dust particles on the nose, throat, airways, skin and eyes. The health effects of haze will depend on its severity as measured by the Pollutants Standards Index (PSI). There is also individual variation regarding the ability to tolerate air pollution. Children, the elderly and especially babies in general are more likely to be affected.

When a baby's silky, smooth skin develops red, dry, itchy patches, the culprit is often eczema. Commonly appearing around 2 to 6 months of age, eczema (or atopic dermatitis) affects some 20 percent of infants and young children. If your baby's skin is itchy and irritated, the Alphanova Organic Skincare range is sure to help soothe baby's skin.

My daughter who is 4+ years old, had a recent bad episode of atopic eczema as patches of flared up redness of scaly skin appeared on her legs, elbows and face.

I am glad to have found the Alphanova Organic Skincare range which has worked perfectly well when I used it to treat her skin condition. Since then, I've advised several of my clients of babies with skin conditions and the feedbacks on the products have been positive and favourable.

Step 1 - Stop using your usual baby's soap as this may be causing the dryness.

In TCM, a woman loses large amounts of Qi and blood during childbirth, putting her body in a “cold” phase. This is why Chinese culture recommends a month-long period of “confinement” for the new mother. These weeks of rest and a modified diet are intended to restore the mother’s balance and return her to full health.

While certain confinement practices are common, it’s a bad idea to follow them blindly. Discover the truth behind the myths from a TCM perspective.

1. Myth: Do not drink plain waterThis comes from the belief that drinking plain water causes water retention or will cool down the body too much.

The truth: There is no harm in drinking plain water. In fact, because new mothers tend to sweat heavily because of hormonal changes, they have all the more reason to drink water and keep hydrated. However, new mothers should be encouraged to drink warm water instead of cold water.

2. Myth: Consume alcoholDrinking alcoholic beverages or eating dishes cooked with alcohol is thought to boost blood circulation and warm up the body.

The truth: It is correct that alcohol is used in TCM to expel cold and promote circulation. That said, new mothers should not regard alcohol as essential to their recovery. In fact, nursing mothers should avoid alcohol, since it can be passed on to their baby through breast milk.

3. Myth: Do not shower or wash one’s hairContact with water is thought to cause “wind” to enter the body and lead to headaches and rheumatism later in life. This taboo may have originated from northern China of the past. Since water quickly became freezing because of the cold weather, it was easy to catch a chill from bathing.

The truth: It is perfectly fine to continue one’s bathing habits. Besides maintaining personal comfort, regular bathing helps prevent skin and wound infections. However, the mother should not bathe with cold water. She should also dry her body immediately after bathing to prevent exposure to cold air.

4. Myth: Consume plenty of herbal supplementsSince childbirth drains a woman of Qi, it is recommended that she stock up on specific herbal soups and dishes that boost energy and blood.

The truth: Since every woman’s health profile is different, she may not benefit from the same remedies that help others. It is better to consult a qualified TCM physician for personalised advice and treatment.

That said, one dietary recommendation can be generalised to all new mothers. In TCM, it is best to avoid cooling foods during confinement. Eating such foods carry a risk of harming one’s Spleen and Stomach and hampering recovery. Foods to avoid include bamboo shoots, bananas, crabs and oysters.

5. Myth: Do not read or cryChildbirth is thought to weaken the Liver, which is linked to the eyes. Therefore, one should avoid putting stress on the eyes by reading or crying. Otherwise, one might experience eye problems later in life.

The truth: There is no basis for the belief that reading or crying would lead to eye problems. However, TCM experts do hold that the large loss of blood during childbirth may weaken the eyes. This is because blood is related to the Liver, which is associated with the eyes. Regular consumption of Liver-protecting foods, such as Chinese Wolfberries, would help maintain eye health.

6. Myth: Wear warm clothing and do not use fans and air-conditioningAs with bathing, any exposure to cool air is said to cause “wind” to enter the body and lead to health problems later in life.

The truth: The key here is moderation. The new mother should do what makes her comfortable. In a hot and humid climate, fans and air conditioners may even be essential for preventing heat rash. However, the new mother should not let the fan or air-conditioner blow directly on her.

This useful article is from: http://www.euyansang.com/index.php/tcm-lifestyle/living-well/beware-these-6-confinement-myths

There are now a multitude of studies that show that mothers and babies should be together, skin to skin (baby naked, not wrapped in a blanket) immediately after birth, as well as later. The baby is happier, the baby's temperature is more stable and more normal, the baby's heart and breathing rates are more stable and more normal, and the baby's blood sugar is more elevated. Not only that, skin to skin contact immediately after birth allows the baby to be colonized by the same bacteria as the mother. This, plus breastfeeding, are thought to be important in the prevention of allergic diseases. When a baby is put into an incubator, his skin and gut are often colonized by bacteria different from his mother's.

We now know that this is true not only for the baby born at term and in good health, but also even for the premature baby. Skin to skin contact and Kangaroo Mother Care can contribute much to the care of the premature baby. Even babies on oxygen can be cared for skin to skin, and this helps reduce their needs for oxygen, and keeps them more stable in other ways as well.

From the point of view of breastfeeding, babies who are kept skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth for at least an hour, are more likely to latch on without any help and they are more likely to latch on well, especially if the mother did not receive medication during the labour or birth. As mentioned in "Breastfeeding - Starting out Right", a baby who latches on well gets milk more easily than a baby who latches on less well. When a baby latches on well, the mother is less likely to be sore. When a mother's milk is abundant, the baby can take the breast poorly and still get lots of milk, though the feedings may then be long or frequent or both, and the mother is more prone to develop problems such as blocked ducts and mastitis. In the first few days, however, the mother does not have a lot of milk (but she has enough!), and a good latch is important to help the baby get the milk that is available (yes, the milk is there even if someone has "proved" to you with the big pump that there isn't any). If the baby does not latch on well, the mother may be sore, and if the baby does not get milk well, the baby will want to be on the breast for long periods of time worsening the soreness.

To recap, skin to skin contact immediately after birth, which lasts for at least an hour has the following positive effects on the baby:

Are more likely to latch on

Are more likely to latch on well

Have more stable and normal skin temperatures

Have more stable and normal heart rates and blood pressures

Have higher blood sugars

Are less likely to cry

Are more likely to breastfeed exclusively longer

There is no reason that the vast majority of babies cannot be skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth for at least an hour. Hospital routines, such as weighing the baby, should not take precedence.

The baby should be dried off and put on the mother. Nobody should be pushing the baby to do anything; nobody should be trying to help the baby latch on during this time. The mother, of course, may make some attempts to help the baby, and this should not be discouraged. The mother and baby should just be left in peace to enjoy each other's company. (The mother and baby should not be left alone, however, especially if the mother has received medication, and it is important that not only the mother's partner, but also a nurse, midwife, doula or physician stay with them—occasionally, some babies do need medical help and someone qualified should be there "just in case"). The eyedrops and the injection of vitamin K can wait a couple of hours. By the way, immediate skin to skin contact can also be done after cæsarean section, even while the mother is getting stitched up, unless there are medical reasons which prevent it.

Studies have shown that even premature babies, as small as 1200 g (2 lb 10 oz) are more stable metabolically (including the level of their blood sugars) and breathe better if they are skin to skin immediately after birth. The need for an intravenous infusion, oxygen therapy or a nasogastric tube, for example, or all the preceding, does not preclude skin to skin contact. Skin to skin contact is quite compatible with other measures taken to keep the baby healthy. Of course, if the baby is quite sick, the baby's health must not be compromised, but any premature baby who is not suffering from respiratory distress syndrome can be skin to skin with the mother immediately after birth. Indeed, in the premature baby, as in the full term baby, skin to skin contact may decrease rapid breathing into the normal range.

Even if the baby does not latch on during the first hour or two, skin to skin contact is still good and important for the baby and the mother for all the other reasons mentioned.

If the baby does not take the breast right away, do not panic. There is almost never any rush, especially in the full term healthy baby. One of the most harmful approaches to feeding the newborn has been the bizarre notion that babies must feed every three hours. Babies should feed when they show signs of being ready, and keeping a baby next to his mother will make it obvious to her when the baby is ready. There is actually not a stitch of proof that babies must feed every three hours or by any schedule, but based on such a notion, many babies are being pushed into the breast because three hours have passed. The baby not interested yet in feeding may object strenuously, and thus is pushed even more, resulting, in many cases, in babies refusing the breast because we want to make sure they take the breast.

Moms in Mind Sarong Carriers have been made and sold in Singapore since developed in 1997. Moms in Mind has learned first hand what parents like and dislike about baby carriers.

Rings: Moms in Mind uses only heavy-duty fully molded nylon rings. Such rings are durable, can withstand weight, stress and countless washings in the washing machine & dryer. The rings have been tested to endure pulling & stress tension way beyond 390kg to 570kg forces. Wooden or plastic craft rings, while usable, may not be 100% safe over the long-term.

Padding: Traditional baby carriers are made without padding and work very well. Keeping in line with such carriers, MIM slings have added just the right amount of lightweight padding around the edges to give that extra touch of comfort for both the parents and the growing baby. This was done through observing how a few babies & children sat in the sling and measuring vital points. Too much padding can be uncomfortable in our weather and makes it cumbersome to store the sling when not in use. Padding used is lightweight closely-woven fibre-fill polyester quilt. This does not disintegrate with washing. Extra Stitching is added to secure so the quilt padding does not get twisted with washing. Padding was strategically placed only where necessary and is light enough to be pulled through the Nylon Rings so that the parent can adjust the baby carrier as snugly as he/she needs to. Baby carriers that use clips or knots tend to dig into the body. They aren’t made to tighten or loosen to accommodate the many different babywearing positions. Our baby carrier has a wide specially shaped shoulder band that fits snugly around either of your shoulders. This helps distribute weight evenly across your back, reducing the risk of lower back strain.The absence of carrying straps is good for the nursing mother. Thin straps tend to cut into the chest area and increasing the risk of breast infections like blocked ducts.

WideTail of the baby carrier is made long and left open. This open-tail allows you to adjust each section of the baby carrier independently, so that you can get a snug fit. The longer tail accommodates the needs of larger-framed parents. The open-tail is good for extra coverage that may be needed for discreet breastfeeding and is good also for shielding baby from the hot sun & light rain. Do not tie any accessories or toys to this tail. Having such at this portion of the sling makes it dangerous as there is the possibility of the toys hitting at your baby when you adjust the sling for the right size and when you unthinkingly use the tail for shielding during breastfeeding or from weather conditions.

Fabric: This does not have to be thick to be durable. To carry a child up to the ages of 2 to 3 years, cloth of dress-weight fabric is strong enough. You only need the fabric to be able to support a mere 18kg child at most. Having unnecessarily thicker fabric would mean you can carry a baby elephant in the sling – actually even 2 baby elephants. It’s not quite what you want, right? It also means a heavier baby carrier and a feeling of hotness in our climate. MIM slings use cotton fabric for breathibilty. In any case, to put your mind at ease, our fabric & our sling/ring security system has been tested to hold up to weights of beyond 390kg before any slipping. Now , that’s quite close to the baby elephant, eh?

Weight of Sling: We want the baby carrier to weigh as little as possible so as not to add more weight than necessary to the already heavy child that we are carrying. Moms in Mind sarong carrier uses lightweight materials and the whole sling weighs in total only 380 grams.

Accessories: To be truly handsfree, you can put your purse or handphone together with your baby in the pouch of the sling where your baby is sitting. You may also clip your keychain around the rings of the sling. This is convenient and tends to be a source of entertainment for your child – now you don’t even need to bring what is classified as “toys” out! A note here though – do not hang too many items because if they are hung loosely and not tucked into the pouch,the weight of the hanging items may constantly bang you or the baby. And babies older than 3 months would tend to be more interested in watching the world go by while in the sling than playing with toys. Do take the chance to talk to them as you go about your day. As they are in the sling, they would be at your level and can hear you better and likewise it will be easier for you to be more responsive. They do tend to learn very quickly as such by being in the sling and participating in their mother’s daily acitivities like marketing & running errands.